On an ordinary day, arriving home from school, a 15-year-old Gail Mabo was told by her father "one day, everyone will know my name".

Naarm gathered on Tuesday night to celebrate Torres Strait culture and the legacy of Eddie Mabo.

Mr Mabo passed six months before the High Court of Australia's landmark determination overturning terra nullius in 1992, recognising the Meriam people's rights to their land after a 15-year fight, and setting the foundations for the Native Title Act.

It was a fight he knew he would win, Gail Mabo said.

Reverend David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Mapo Sale mounted the case, of which Mr Mabo was lead plaintiff, alongside him.

KHT chief executive and Kulkalgal, Kemer Kemer Meriam man Tom Mosby told National Indigenous Times Mabo Day is a great way to bookend National Reconciliation Week, with Sorry Day to begin the annual period of recognition.

"It's a significant part of this entire week of looking at reconciliation, acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as traditional custodians of land here in Australia," Mr Mosby said.

"We're at the very opposite end to the Torres Strait. There is a Torres Strait community down here, and it's great for the community to get together to celebrate."

Musicians Torres Green, Kiwat Kennell and Candice Lorrae took to the stage, joined by poet Johnny Harding, who shared intimate stories of his family, his people's fight for recognition and reconciliation and what he said might just be "Australia's first rap".

"This day for me is about coming together as Islanders" - Candice Lorrae

"It also (celebrates) what Eddie Mabo did for us, where we can continue to practice culture," the Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander singer-songwriter told National Indigenous Times.

"I feel extremely honored to be here sharing my stories in front of other Islander and First Nations people.

"I'm embarking on my solo journey and reconnection to Country. To be here, I feel so honored to connect with more mob and to celebrate it here".

"It's an honor to be here, to represent my people, the community, and to celebrate the life of Eddie Mabo" - Kiwat Kennell

Alongside bringing Torres Strait culture to Naarm, Kiwat Kennell brought his language, while on his journey connecting with it, to the stage through song.

"Eddie Mabo had such a huge impact on a community that he never met. He never got to see the Native Title decision as a result of his hard work. And so we get to honor him every year. And that impact is carried through all First Nations people in this country," he said.

"To be here now, to represent the people of the Torres Strait Islands, it means absolute world to me. It's a privilege" - Torres Green

Lutruwita-raised, Torres Strait rapper Torres Green (Corey Saylor-Brunskill) paused for through and expressed his solidarity with First Peoples around the country in a time of pain, in reference to incarceration rates and recent tragedy in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

"This land was never terra nullius and we're always going to be here," he told National Indigenous Times.

"Belonging is when we all throw a party. We all make the rules. Until that party is thrown ,I'll wait right here. But I'd prefer the party. Who's coming?" - Johnny Harding

Poet Johnny Harding shared intimate stories of his family, and his people's fight for recognition and reconciliation.

Cerulean hosted the evening, and lifted the crowd even higher with a drag performance.